Not every VPN cares about your privacy. But if you’re looking for a VPN that takes your privacy seriously, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN are among the best -- and specifically ones I recommend most to people with critical privacy needs. While Proton VPN offers a few additional privacy features like double VPN and Tor over VPN servers that ExpressVPN lacks, ExpressVPN includes forward-thinking privacy protections like post-quantum encryption, which Proton VPN doesn’t provide. Beyond a strong commitment to privacy, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN are both fast, easy to use and excellent for streaming. Based on our latest tests, Proton VPN has a slight edge when it comes to speed, but Express is easier to use across platforms.
If you’re looking for a better overall value, need multihop connections or want access to servers in more locations for travel or streaming, I’d recommend going with Proton VPN. And if you don’t want to pay for your VPN, Proton VPN’s free tier is the only free VPN we recommend at CNET. If you don’t mind paying a premium and want the most streamlined app experience across platforms, the easiest router setup for devices that don't natively support VPN apps, the most consistent streaming content unblocking or post-quantum protections, then go with ExpressVPN.
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ExpressVPN vs. Proton VPN at a glance Major features compared ExpressVPN Proton VPN Price $13 a month, $75 for the first 15 months or $98 for the first 28 months (one- and two-year plans renew at $100 a year) Free, $10 a month, $60 for the first year or $108 for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $80 a year) Avg. Speed Loss 18% 16% Server Network 11,500-plus servers in 105 countries 15,100-plus servers in 126 countries Encryption AES 256-bit, ChaCha20 AES 256-bit, ChaCha20 VPN Protocols Available Lightway, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEV2/IPSec, Stealth Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands Switzerland Simultaneous Connections 10 10 Compatibility Windows, MacOS, Linux (with GUI), Chromebook, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Routers, Browsers Windows, MacOS, Linux (with GUI), iOS, Apple TV, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, Chromebook, Routers, Browsers
ExpressVPN ExpressVPN Price $13 per month, $75 for the first year or $98 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $100 per year) Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 tests Network 3,000 plus servers in 105 countries Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands ExpressVPN is CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Overall VPN, thanks to its cutting-edge privacy protections combined with fast speeds, top-notch streaming capabilities and outstanding ease-of-use across platforms. This helps make ExpressVPN a solid choice whether you’re a complete beginner or a VPN veteran. I also especially like how the company continues to innovate, set standards and push the industry forward year after year, like with the publication of its white paper detailing its process for implementing post-quantum WireGuard. The catch is that ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive VPNs, so if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, Proton VPN is a good alternative. 73% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months). Now only $3.49/month
Proton VPN Proton VPN Latest tests No leaks detected, 16% speed loss in 2025 tests Network 12,000-plus servers in 117 countries Jurisdiction Switzerland Price $10 a month, $60 for the first year or $108 for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $80 per year) Proton VPN is an excellent option for privacy-critical and casual users alike, because it strikes a nice balance between extreme privacy, exceptional performance and usability. It’s one of the fastest VPNs around, offers a vast network of global servers, is great for streaming and delivers advanced privacy features. Proton VPN also offers an excellent free tier that has a few limitations but doesn’t compromise on privacy or limit usage. If you want the full, premium experience, Proton VPN’s paid subscription plans are still relatively budget-friendly.
Speed winner: Proton VPN by a hair
Proton VPN's speeds were consistently fast during our 2025 speed tests. Screenshot by CNET
All VPNs will slow your internet speeds to a certain degree -- sometimes even by 50% or more. At CNET, we consider a VPN fast if it can maintain an average speed loss of 25% or less during our speed testing. Proton VPN and ExpressVPN both fall below our 25% threshold, ranking as the second- and third-fastest VPNs, respectively, in our 2025 testing. The 16% speed loss we calculated with Proton VPN barely edged the 18% we measured with ExpressVPN during our 2025 speed tests.
ExpressVPN's speeds weren't far behind Proton VPN's in our 2025 speed tests. Screenshot by CNET
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